Aspen Bark Powdered Extract, Water Soluble Preservative

The Aspen, also known as the Quaking Aspen, is a tall, deciduous tree that is native to North America. The tree has a slender truck that can reach heights of up to 80 feet. The beautiful, smooth, white bark is rich in natural salicylates, a compound that acts as a potent natural antimicrobial. Salicylates are thought to help defend and protect aspen trees against the invasion of parasites.

As the media continues to focus its attention on the risks of parabens, formaldehyde releasers, and other synthesized preservatives, product formulators and manufacturers are facing the growing challenge of procuring natural alternatives that provide suitable broad-spectrum protection.

The specialized process used to manufacture Aspen Bark Powdered Extract isolates the antimicrobial salicylate content so that the extract provides a standardized salicylate content range of 54.0-60.0%.

Properties:

Product Form: Powdered Extract

Solubility: Water

Color: White/Pale

Odor: Very Faint, Characteristic Aroma

Texture: Texture: Free Flowing, Fine Powder

pH (3% Solution in Water): 3.8-6.2

Salicylate Content: 54.0-60.0%

Skin Conditioning

Antimicrobial (Antibacterial and Antifungal)

Microorganisms Tested:

E. coli

P. aeruginosa

S. aureus

C. albicans

A. brasiliensis

Uses:

Aspen Bark Powdered Extract is well suited for use as a natural antimicrobial in the production of skin care, hair care and cosmetic formulations. In addition to its application as a natural antimicrobial, Aspen Bark Powdered Extract also helps to condition the skin.

Aspen Bark Powdered Extract is water soluble and can be added to water based formulations or during the water phase of emulsions. The ideal maximum temperature at which to incorporate Aspen Bark Powdered Extract is 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). Maintaining a pH range of 3-9 is recommended.

Recommended Usage Rate: 0.2 - 3%

All formulations should be challenge tested by a qualified laboratory to ensure that each batch is properly preserved. The method of production, the specific components of the formulation, the environment in which the batch is formulated and the method of packaging all play a crucial role in the resulting shelf life of a batch. Therefore, we cannot guarantee your results when incorporating natural preservatives into your formulations. Only lab challenge testing can determine how and if a preservative is achieving the desired results.

Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC), using a standard growth media dilution method and both bacterial and fungal cultures, were determined to evaluate the ability of Aspen Bark Powdered Extract to protect against microbial proliferation. The results, shown below, indicate that Aspen Bark Powdered Extract can provide effective protection for cosmetic formulations.

E. coli

P. aeruginosa

S. aureus

A. brasiliensis

C. albicans

MIC%

1.00

1.00

2.00

1.00

1.00

Table 1: MIC data for Aspen Bark Powdered Extract.

A Double Challenge Test was also completed using 2% Aspen Bark Powdered Extract in a generic cream base formulation. Samples were inoculated with E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, A. brasiliensis and C. albicans.
During the first 28-day incubation period, samples were periodically collected and tested for the presence of these microorganisms. Following this initial 28-day incubation period, the cream samples were then re-inoculated with the microbial cultures and sampled over an additional 28-day period. This table shows the positive preservation results for Aspen Bark Powdered Extract.

E. coli

P. aeruginosa

S. aureus

A. brasiliensis

C. albicans

Inoculum (Initial)

1.2x106

2.1x104

8.0x105

1.3x104

1.8x104

Day 0

99.967%

>99.999%

99.525%

99.462%

95.444%

Day 7

>99.999%

>99.999%

99.998%

99.385%

99.889%

Day 14

>99.999%

>99.999%

>99.999%

99.462%

>99.999%

Day 21

>99.999%

>99.999%

>99.999%

99.846%

>99.999%

Day 28

>99.999%

>99.999%

>99.999%

99.769%

>99.999%

Inoculum (Reinoculated)

1.7x106

9.9x104

2.1x106

2.0x105

1.1x105

Day 7

>99.999%

>99.999%

99.995%

98.500%

>99.999%

Day 14

>99.999%

>99.999%

>99.999%

98.500%

>99.999%

Day 21

>99.999%

>99.999%

>99.999%

99.000%

>99.999%

Day 28

>99.999%

>99.999%

>99.999%

99.850%

>99.999%

Table 2: Challenge Test results for 2% Aspen Bark Powdered Extract in a cream formulation inoculated on day 0 and re-inoculated on day 28. Results show % reduction in in viable organisms.

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Natural Sourcing, LLC (and its From Nature With Love trademark) is a B2B wholesale supplier that serves experienced, professional beauty and personal care product manufacturers, soapmakers and aspiring artisans. The contents of our Web site, blog, social media and print materials have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information that we supply is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness. Although we strive to be as accurate as possible, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information that is provided. It is up to our customers to adequately research the appropriate applications, usage rates and safety information for each ingredient/product purchased, including any governmental regulations in place for proper usage, labeling and sale. We do not perform testing on animals nor do we purchase natural ingredients from companies that test on animals.